Our research library is one of the most important features of the Rock Island County Historical Society and is used extensively by local and visiting historians and genealogists, news media, businesses, and the academic community. The wealth of materials in the archival library continually grows and a well-informed volunteer staff provides assistance.

12,000+ books on regional history and genealogy
150+ archival collections
Upper Mississippi Valley Digital Image Archive Project with Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, Putnam Museum, Davenport, Iowa, Davenport Public Library, and the Musser Public Library, Muscatine, Iowa.
Newspapers
, 1857 to the present.
Vertical files
-- indexed by township, including
people, families, businesses, organizations, and historical subjects
City directories
, county census records, maps,
school yearbook collection
Family history collections.
Art, artifacts, video and audio history
Posters and broadsides, photograph and post card collections


In addition to the above, RICHS is now housing the collection of the Rock Island County Illinois Genealogical Society.  Click on their name to learn more about their organization.

Research by the Rock Island County Historical Society staff is as follows:
A $15 per hour research fee ($12.00 for members), will be charged to research the archives for information pertaining to various historical events, people in history or your ancestor's background in the Rock Island County area.  The one-hour, non-refundable fee is required to initiate the research.  Before we begin the research, we must receive a letter including names, dates, and places, and as much information as you have found.  If you wish to come to the library, there is no charge for using our facility and you may do your own research.  Our staff is available to help you. Donations are always appreciated.    If you have questions, contact us by e-mail or call us at (309)764-8590.  Send your letter, including research fee, to:


STACKS IN RICHS LIBRARY
Rock Island County birth, marriage, and death indexes
Database of Moline Memorial Park Cemetery
Card catalog to the RICHS collections
Newspapers for Rock Island County
60,000 name obituary database
City directories from 1856 to the present
Microfilm census (1830-1930)
Plat maps, atlases & old maps
DAR lineage books
Mayflower family books
Donated family histories


Please understand that since we are a non-profit organization and are staffed by volunteers who work one day a week, you will need to allow us three to four weeks for us to complete your research.  This service does not generate profit for us, but rather helps us maintain our facilities.  The hours of the research library are:  Wednesday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. -- 4:00 p.m.

THE FOLLOWING MATERIALS WILL BE SEARCHED:
RICHS COLLECTION INCLUDES:

Rock Island County Historical Society
ATTN: Research Request
822   11th Avenue
Moline, IL 61265-1221

822  11th Avenue. Moline, IL  61265-1221      E-mail: Information@richs.cc
Phone (309) 764-8590    *Library hours:  Wednesday -- Saturday,  9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Rock Island County Historical Society Research Library

EARLY NEWSPAPERS
All Rights Reserved.  Copyright @ Rock Island County Historical Society
*Closed: Thanksgiving Week and Dec 22, 2010 thru Jan 5,2011